Which Non-Dairy Yogurt Is Highest in Protein? A Comprehensive Guide

January 12, 2026 •

5 min read

According to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, plant-based yogurts are generally lower in protein than their dairy counterparts, but the protein content varies significantly depending on the base ingredient. This guide explores which non-dairy yogurt is highest in protein, focusing on the best options for those following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the highest-protein non-dairy yogurt alternatives, analyzing popular options like soy and pea protein-fortified varieties. It compares protein content, discusses nutritional benefits, and provides actionable tips for maximizing protein intake in a plant-based diet.

Key Points

Soy-Based Yogurts: Generally offer the highest natural protein content among plant-based alternatives, ranging from 6–9 grams per serving.
Pea Protein Fortified Yogurts: Options fortified with pea protein can reach 8–10+ grams per serving, matching the protein levels of some dairy yogurts.
Kite Hill Greek-Style: A standout high-protein non-dairy yogurt, combining almond and soy protein to provide up to 17 grams of protein per serving.
Coconut Yogurts: Exceptionally creamy but naturally very low in protein unless fortified with pea protein.
Almond and Oat Yogurts: Typically offer 2–5 grams of protein per serving, often requiring fortification or additions like seeds to increase protein intake.
Read the Label: The protein content can vary significantly by brand and base ingredient, so always check the nutrition facts for details on protein, added sugars, and fortification.
DIY Protein Boost: You can easily increase the protein in any non-dairy yogurt by stirring in plant-based protein powder, nuts, or seeds.

Understanding the Landscape of High-Protein Non-Dairy Yogurts

For those on a plant-based diet, finding a non-dairy yogurt with a protein content comparable to Greek or Icelandic dairy yogurt can be challenging, but not impossible. While some options naturally offer more protein, many require fortification with protein isolates to meet higher nutritional standards. The base ingredient plays the most significant role in determining the final protein content, with soy and added pea protein leading the market. Other popular bases like almond, oat, and coconut typically have lower protein levels unless fortified.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the protein content in various non-dairy yogurts and highlights specific brands known for their high-protein offerings. We'll also cover the broader nutritional aspects, such as fiber, sugar, and fat content, to help you make the best choice for your dietary needs.

The Heavy Hitters: Soy and Pea Protein

Soy-based yogurt consistently ranks as one of the highest in protein among non-dairy options. A typical serving can offer anywhere from 6 to 9 grams of protein, often providing a complete protein profile. Brands like Silk produce soy yogurt alternatives with notable protein content, making them a reliable choice for those seeking a substantial protein boost. Soy has been used as a dairy alternative for decades and has a strong nutritional profile.

Pea protein-enhanced yogurts are another excellent source of plant-based protein. Some manufacturers fortify bases like coconut or oat milk with pea protein isolate to significantly increase the protein count. This process allows brands to achieve protein levels of 8 to 10 grams per serving or even higher, matching some dairy-based yogurts. This is a great option for those with soy allergies or who prefer to avoid soy. Pea protein is also an increasingly common ingredient in vegan protein powders and meal replacement shakes.

Comparing Different Non-Dairy Yogurt Bases

Let's take a closer look at the nutritional differences between the main types of non-dairy yogurts. This comparison table highlights typical protein, fat, and fiber content per standard serving, but note that fortification levels can vary by brand.


Yogurt Base	Typical Protein (per 5.3 oz)	Typical Fat (per 5.3 oz)	Typical Fiber (per 5.3 oz)	Key Characteristics
Soy	6–9 grams	2–3 grams	High fiber	Naturally high in protein, often complete protein.
Pea Protein Fortified	8–10+ grams	Varies by base	Varies by base	Protein-enhanced, can be made with various bases like coconut or oat.
Almond	3–5 grams	3–5 grams	Highest among nut bases	Lighter flavor, often fortified with pea protein for higher protein content.
Cashew	3–5 grams	3–5 grams	Intermediate fiber	Creamy texture, good source of healthy fats.
Oat	2–4 grams	2–4 grams	Intermediate fiber	Naturally sweet, smooth texture, and typically low in saturated fat.
Coconut	1–2 grams	High in fat	Intermediate fiber	Extremely creamy but naturally very low in protein unless fortified.

Brands Known for High-Protein Non-Dairy Options

Kite Hill Greek-Style Plant-Based Yogurt: A standout product that combines almond milk and soy protein isolate to deliver up to 17 grams of protein per serving. This Greek-style option offers a rich, creamy texture and is often unsweetened.
Silk Dairy-Free Soy Yogurt Alternative: A reliable choice with its soy protein base, often providing 6-7 grams of protein per serving. Silk offers both plain and flavored varieties for versatility.
Forager Project Dairy-Free Greek-Style Yogurt: This option features a cashew and rice protein blend, offering around 10 grams of protein per 5.3-ounce serving. It is appreciated for its tangy, rich flavor.
Ripple Dairy-Free Yogurt: Made from pea protein, Ripple provides a good protein content, though specific figures can vary by product. It's a solid choice for those avoiding soy and nuts.

Other Nutritional Considerations

When evaluating non-dairy yogurts for their protein content, it's also important to consider the rest of the nutritional label. Here are some key points:

Added Sugar: Flavored non-dairy yogurts often contain significant amounts of added sugar to mask the natural flavor of the base ingredient. Always check for unsweetened or low-sugar varieties to maximize health benefits.
Fiber: Plant-based yogurts generally contain more fiber than their dairy counterparts, which is beneficial for digestive health. Bases like almond tend to be particularly high in fiber.
Fortification: While non-dairy yogurts are naturally lower in nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin B12 compared to dairy, many brands fortify their products to match or even exceed the nutrient profile of milk-based yogurt. Always check the nutrition facts for fortification details. Fortified varieties are especially important for those transitioning from a dairy-rich diet.
Probiotics: Most non-dairy yogurts contain live and active cultures, similar to traditional yogurt, providing valuable probiotics for gut health.

Tips for Boosting Your Protein Intake with Non-Dairy Yogurt

If you find your preferred non-dairy yogurt falls short on protein, you can easily enhance it with other ingredients. Here are some simple suggestions:

Mix in Protein Powder: Stir a scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla plant-based protein powder (like pea or soy) into your yogurt.
Add Nuts and Seeds: Top your yogurt with a generous sprinkle of hemp seeds, chia seeds, or a handful of almonds or walnuts. Hemp seeds are particularly high in protein.
Use as a Base for Savory Dishes: High-protein, plain non-dairy yogurt can be used in savory recipes, like a creamy base for sauces or dips. This allows you to add other protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas.

Conclusion: Which Non-Dairy Yogurt is Highest in Protein?

While soy-based yogurts naturally offer a higher protein content than other common non-dairy bases like coconut or almond, the real winner for maximum protein is often a fortified product. Specifically, Kite Hill's Greek-Style Plant-Based Yogurt, made with a blend of almond milk and soy protein isolate, is a top contender, boasting up to 17 grams of protein per serving. Similarly, pea protein-enhanced options can also reach impressive protein levels. Your best choice depends on your specific dietary needs, taste preferences, and whether you want to add supplementary ingredients yourself. For a creamy, rich texture, coconut-based yogurts are great, but for a true protein boost, turn to soy or fortified options. Always review the nutritional information to ensure you're getting a product that aligns with your health goals, especially checking for added sugars and fortification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soy-based yogurts typically have the highest natural protein content, while specialized products fortified with pea protein or blends like Kite Hill Greek-style (almond and soy) offer even higher levels, sometimes up to 17 grams per serving.

Yes, soy yogurt provides a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids needed by the body. This makes it an excellent choice for a well-rounded plant-based diet.

Kite Hill's Greek-style yogurt achieves its high protein content by combining almond milk with soy protein isolate, a concentrated form of soy protein. This fortification process boosts the protein level significantly higher than a standard almond milk yogurt.

Non-dairy yogurts can be very nutritious but often have different nutritional profiles than dairy yogurt. They are often higher in fiber and lower in saturated fat but may contain less protein, calcium, and potassium unless they are fortified.

Yes, adding a scoop of plant-based protein powder, such as pea or soy protein, is an effective way to increase the protein content of any non-dairy yogurt. This is especially useful for lower-protein bases like coconut or oat.

No, while some non-dairy options like coconut yogurt are naturally low in protein, others like soy yogurt and fortified blends (e.g., pea protein fortified or Kite Hill Greek) offer comparable or even higher protein counts than traditional dairy yogurt.

For a guaranteed high-protein option, choose a product specifically labeled as high-protein, such as a pea protein-fortified or Greek-style option. Alternatively, top your preferred non-dairy yogurt with protein-rich additions like hemp seeds, nuts, or a plant-based protein powder.